Your challenging clinical case could become the story of the year. Applications are now open for the VETTORIA International Awards, recognising professionals dedicated to treating companion animals and protecting their health. Here is a guide to the award categories, eligibility requirements and application process.

The awards were established by LINTEGA Media Group and the Veterinary Medicine and Life publication, together with the awards’ general partner, Russian veterinary pharmaceutical company NITA-FARM. The competition aims to raise the profile of the veterinary profession and promote best practice.

There are eight categories for individual professionals and veterinary clinics. The main category is Veterinarian of the Year.

Entering an independent professional competition gives veterinary professionals an opportunity to showcase their achievements beyond their own clinic and gain recognition within the veterinary community.

Participation, a place in the final or an award can provide further recognition of your experience and expertise, strengthening your professional portfolio or CV.

The awards also offer an opportunity to share your own methods, noteworthy clinical cases and creative solutions, connect with colleagues from other clinics and specialist organisations, and receive expert assessment of your work.

Preparing an application is also a chance to bring together and organise your professional experience, including clinical cases, treatment outcomes, methods you have developed and other achievements.

The awards are primarily intended for practising veterinarians working with small companion animals, including dogs, cats and other pets.

Veterinary professionals from Russia, other Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and countries worldwide are welcome to enter, regardless of their citizenship or country of employment.

Eligible applicants include veterinarians working in private or public veterinary clinics, animal shelters, zoos, pet boarding facilities, universities offering veterinary programmes, and other relevant organisations. Veterinarians in independent practice may also apply.

The main eligibility requirements are a university degree in veterinary medicine and at least three years of professional experience in the field.

A separate category, Best Veterinary Clinic, is open to organisations. Applications must be submitted by the clinic’s head veterinarian or director. Each clinic may submit one application.

The awards feature eight categories.

Veterinarian of the Year is the awards’ main category. It recognises veterinarians who have achieved significant professional results. Assessment criteria include professional achievements, clinical experience, contributions to the veterinary sector and recognition among peers.

Best Clinical Project recognises completed projects with verified, measurable outcomes. Applicants must describe their case and provide supporting evidence.

Pioneering Discovery / Innovative Method recognises professionals who have developed and introduced a new diagnostic, treatment or preventive method. Applicants must demonstrate both the originality of their approach and its practical application.

Professional Expertise of the Year recognises professionals who contribute to their colleagues’ development. Assessment considers teaching and mentoring, publications, participation in conferences and professional associations, and delivery of workshops.

Young Veterinary Professional of the Year offers veterinarians in the early stages of their careers an opportunity to showcase significant achievements.

Best Veterinary Clinic is a category for organisations. The judging panel assesses the quality of clinical procedures and protocols, the team’s professional expertise, equipment and facilities, the use of modern methods, communication with pet owners, and professional reputation.

NITA-FARM’s Choice is a special category presented by the awards’ general partner. It recognises contributions to veterinary pharmaceutical practice, including participation in clinical research, the introduction of new drug therapy protocols, and collaboration with veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturers. The winner will be selected by NITA-FARM and will receive a personalised tour of the company’s high-tech manufacturing facility in Saratov.

Audience Favourite is decided by readers and subscribers. Following an initial screening, an open public vote will be held on the platforms of Veterinary Medicine and Life and LINTEGA Media Group.

Applicants must complete an application form and prepare materials documenting their professional work.

The following items are required:

• A photograph;
• A copy of your university degree certificate in veterinary medicine;
• Documents confirming your professional experience;
• A description of the work submitted for the competition, up to 5,000 words;
• At least three documents supporting your professional achievements.

Supporting evidence may include anonymised clinical records, treatment protocols and other documents demonstrating the results of your work.

Applicants may also submit a video introduction of up to three minutes, up to three letters of recommendation from colleagues, managers or professional associations, their own publications, diplomas, certificates of achievement and continuing professional development certificates.

Documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a translation.

Applications will be assessed by an independent professional judging panel against predefined criteria.

The main criteria include:

• Professional outcomes: documented clinical cases, protocols introduced into practice and measurable treatment outcomes;
• Innovation: the use of new approaches and modern diagnostic or treatment methods;
• Contribution to the profession: teaching colleagues and students, mentoring, publications, workshops and involvement in professional organisations;
• Professional recognition: the applicant’s professional reputation and recognition of their achievements by colleagues and the wider veterinary community.

A shortlist of finalists will be drawn up for each category. Their names are scheduled to be announced in late January 2027.

Public voting for the Audience Favourite category will take place in February and March.

The awards will culminate in a formal awards ceremony in April 2027.

Full details of the participation requirements and application process are available on the official VETTORIA International Awards website.